If Nicola said we need to organise a meeting to discuss this and the Echo declined then I would imagine this was the reason they have been banned. This will probhably be sorted out with the Echo agreeing to a meeting. I don't think it was an unreasonable request from the club and one which no doubt the Echo wish they had adhered to with hindsight. Arguing that fans need the Echo for saints news so should not have been banned is missing the point somewhat.
I realise I have filled in the blanks slightly, but IF this was the way it went (and in my opinion it looks likely) then it seems that the Echo is in the wrong.